Belgian Browning

[tark]

Picked up a Browning A-5 in 12ga 3" made in 1975. It is marked "Made in Belgium" on the barrel. It looks almost unfired and the Decal under the forend is almost completely intact. I paid 750. Did I get a good deal?

 

[rule303]

Sounds like a fair price in the condition you describe. The magnum guns aren't as desirable to most collectors since they were only made to function with heavy loads, and the fixed chokes aren't steel compatible.

 

[Gordon]

look at the instructions inside the forearm. The magnum can be set up for lighter shells. My A5 magnums liked regular 2 3/4 High brass fine, the longer forcing cone has a nice effect. True if it is a full choke that steel shot bigger than #4 should not be used. They did make magnums with looser barrels and yours can be loosened up reasonably as the magnum barrels are heavier and have the meat to ream, you can even have Colonial steel certified sleeves installed which is how I went. True the magnums aren't as valuable as the lt weight ones are.

 

[wgp]

Last A5 I bought was a couple of years ago (Kansas), a Belgium Light 12 that was a bit rough on appearance but perfect mechanically, paid $500. Most I see at shows are more than $750.

 

[rromeo]

Are you happy with the purchase? Do you like the gun? Then you got a good deal.